Macro lens

Hill202 · Oct 15, 2007

I've read some reviews on this lens, can anyone here offer some input on it?

Thanks

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/424744-USA/Nikon_2160_105mm_f_2_8G_ED_IF_AF_S.html

sabbath999 · Oct 15, 2007

I own one and have used it extensively.

It is sharp as a tack, very fast and takes lovely pictures. I personally prefer the 105 length for macro because I shoot a lot of bugs, and you don't have to get as close (i.e. disturb them... and their stingers) as much. Having said all of that, there are a couple of things you should know about the lens.

First, it hunts a lot in AF mode, in macro. I mean, it hunts a LOT. The two position focus limiter switch is (in my mind) configured all wrong, it should be configured to .5 meters or less, or long... this would keep it from hunting as much as it does. Some people this REALLY bothers, but I never use auto focus when shooting macro anyway, so I personally don't care much about that.

Second, the VR part of it works well... but as you close in on a subject, the VR deteriorates... you can get 3-4 stops when shooting longer things with the lens (portraits), but when you get in close it only gives you about 1 stop effectiveness... and it needs to be turned off on the tripod.

Third, the lens is listed as a 2.8, but keep in mind that (like just about all modern macros) it really is a variable aperture lens, going up to about 3.5 when you change the focus level.

Ok, don't misunderstand me here, the lens takes amazing pictures... the resolution it can do far exceeds the digital cameras I have it on... but if you are thinking that this is the perfect lens to run around at dusk taking bug pictures on autofocus, shooting handheld with VR, then I think you will be disappointed.

On a tripod, with manual focus, it can't be beat for image quality.

Having said that, if you are going to shoot that way why not save yourself $300 or so dollars and buy the previous non-vr version of this same lens slightly used? If I had to do it all over again, that is what I would do.

I do find myself pulling this out of the bag a lot just to use it as a medium telephoto prime on my D80, however, because it is an uncommonly sharp, very fast prime and the VR works wonders in low light for portraits and general shooting.

Hill202 · Oct 15, 2007

I looked at the non-VR one but its going on a D40 and of course it will not auto focus. It sounds like I'll have to manual focus anyway. Saving 300.00 does sound nice.

I'm really starting to regret the D40, but thats another thread...

Thanks

sabbath999 · Oct 15, 2007

I use the 105 VR on the D40 quite a bit. Obviously, the with the D40 the 105 VR has serious advantages over the non-AF-S version, when using it as a telephoto prime (non-macro work).

I just thumbed through my images to find something that was shot on the D40 with the VR. Here's one, mid-morning shot on a cloudy September day, hand held, followed by the EXIF data:

Camera Model: NIKON D40
Maximum Lens Aperture: f/3.6
Image Created: 2007:08:19 20:10:38
Exposure Time: 1/200 sec
F-Number: f/13.0
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: No Flash
Focal Length: 105.00 mm